| Lanikai is a popular neighborhood on the southern end of Kailua that is well known for the beauty of it’s off shore islands, arresting sunrises, romantic moon rises, and tranquil beaches. The natural beauty of this exclusive neighborhood is very appealing, but few know the very interesting history involving both high points on either side of Lanikai. Alala (meaning “awakening”) Point is the high point of the entrance on the northern side of Lanikai, and Wailea Point (“water of Lea,” named for Lea, the goddess of canoe builders) is the high point on the southern exposure of the neighborhood which separates Lanikai from Waimanalo. Both of these points have natural “Sister Stones” that are considered to be heiau (places of worship) to the fish gods. The ancient Hawaiians utilized these rock formations as vantage points to study the flight of resident seabirds. Based on the flight patterns and directions taken by the seabirds, the Hawaiians were able to locate where the offshore schools of fish were, which allowed them to make their fishing expeditions more bountiful. So on your next visit to Lanikai, whether you are kayaking the turquoise ocean waves, or strolling Lanikai’s sandy beachfront, look up to the northern and southern points of the neighborhood to view the “Sister Stones,” and picture the native Hawaiians gazing out and planning their next fresh catch from the sea. |